Are you committing the seven deadly sins of video?

Do you need the confessional?

Using video, Facebook live, webinars and live training is a fantastic way to engage your audience. Letting people get to know you, hear your message and offer them some value is a fast track to leads. But what if you’re not getting the results you want? Perhaps you’ve checked your stats and people are clicking away after about 7 seconds or not clicking at all?

Perhaps you’re committing one of the seven deadly sins. Read on to make sure you’re on the straight and narrow.

Gluttony

Also known as clogging the news feeds and group updates for multiple groups with exactly the same message/promo without adding any value to other members.

I think we’ve all noticed this tactic. Similar times of day, same message or content with no real thought for the group members. We all take the opportunity to promote out latest offerings or service in groups that allow it (and you should), but be a good human and add value in those groups too. Don’t just use them like free bulletin board at the supermarket.

It may take longer, but when people see your promo posts they’ll already know who you are, because you’ll have built some trust through helping people ‘no-strings-attached’.

Lust

I’ve seen it in groups – the constant hard sell. Not much content and too much selling. Too much about you and your back story or journey and why I need your latest product, and not enough value.

We have to build some trust with people, let them get to know us, and like us. Too much of the selling and not enough of the pre-dinner drinks and wooing will kill your video engagement.

Avarice/Greed

Also known as constantly talking about how much you have/how good you are etc rather than focusing on your audience and how you can help them. Seeing other people’s success is NOT always motivating.

I know we need to be inspired. That sometimes seeing others’ success will give us the push to have the vision of the things we might achieve when our business is a success. However, I do sometimes feel like there needs to be a dose of humility. If you’re successful that’s awesome, but there’s a fine line between success and arrogance or hubris. A sprinkling now and then works well I reckon.

Pride

Thinking you’re the bomb and forgetting your audience. AKA it’s not all about you…

When we are really good at something (and you all are), it’s easy sometimes to forget about the audience and that they don’t know what we know. That we need to keep the focus on them and why we wanted to share this stuff in the first place. Always think about the audience you’re creating content for, rather than yourself and it will immediately be more engaging.

Always think about the audience you’re creating content for, rather than yourself and it will immediately be more engaging.

This sin happens without intent. We use words and terms that our intended audience don’t know or understand. Don’t assume I know the important words you use to describe what you do. Take it back to basics and educated me. Help me understand what you do and why I need you to help me.

Envy

Also known as using video because you have comparitinitus. Using video so you’re like everyone else/ trying to copy other people.

Don’t try to be like everyone else. Your business is unique because of you. So make sure you create content that shows your personality and the wonderful message you have to share with your potential clients online.

Sure – take some inspiration from people you admire – the way they organise their backgrounds, the type of content they share and how often – but don’t try to be them.

Where are your clients and what do they need from you? Don’t be on every social platform just because you think everyone else is.

What’s that famous quote by Oscar Wilde? Be you, everyone else is taken…

Wrath/Anger

Going live or creating videos when you are overly emotional and not able to focus on your message or audience.

I’m pretty sure you’ve seen written posts where people over-share and are not quite appropriate. Clearly the person commented after a couple of glasses or wine or when tired and over it. Same goes for Facebook Live or video content. If you’re feeling like you might be a bit tired and emotional then wait until a better time. I know I’ve gone live when someone had pushed my buttons and it came across really negatively (I didn’t post that one to the group, I deleted it).

Same goes for Facebook Live or video content. If you’re feeling like you might be a bit tired and emotional then wait until a better time. I know I’ve gone live when someone had pushed my buttons and it came across really negatively. I didn’t post that one to the group, I deleted it. (Not sure how to use Facebook live? Check out my straight forward guide here.)

Same goes for when you’re just flat. Work out when your energy is at it’s best and go live or create video content at that time of day.

Sloth

Also known as my pet hate. Going live or doing videos from your car during school pick up time. There I said it. Remember this might be the first time I have ever seen you. If you’re live on your business page it’s public. Anyone who likes your page, and their friends if they comment or react or share it, can see it. And if that’s in your workout gear waiting in your car for the kids to finish school, and you’re not a personal trainer, it’s not really putting your best foot forward.

I know this won’t be popular, but seriously, shouldn’t you be a having a sneaky fag with your girlfriends behind the car before the kids come out rather than squeezing me into your school pick up run?

I know we want to stay connected, but make a time when you can go live that shows me I’m important to you.

Done is NOT better than perfect in this instance. If you need to go live to a group or your page at that specific time, maybe someone else can grab the kids for you that day?

Or change the time? (I’m not talking about ‘as inspiration strikes’ to a group you manage with people who know you well.)

Over To You

So are you committing one of the seven deadly sins? Need some help? Come along to my half day and online workshops to see how video marketing can help you grow your business and your bottom line. Here’s my events page to choose a date that suits you.

Let’s see if we can sort out your video marketing so you’re putting your best foot forward and gaining new clients in the process.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment

Name *

Email *

Website

Search for:

Who Is Jenny?

Jenny is a video marketing strategist, idea generator and message crafter for business large and small. With more than 20 years working with audiences from 2-200, across diverse industries, what Jenny doesn't know about presenting with impact and crafting powerful messages isn't worth knowing. She works closely with you to make sure your message is focused on your target market, and answers their questions and concerns. Generate more lovely leads to your business! Based in Melbourne with three teenagers to wrangle, she can be found at co-working spaces to avoid taxi driving gigs and housework.